Potpourri
It occurs to me, as I sit here atop the bookshop's space heater, nibbling at my breakfast burrito and contemplating life, that I suck at leaving reviews. It seems particularly relevant at the moment, because the sshg_exchange is posting, which means that I have to review rather a lot of fic.
The thing is that when I really love something, I need a few days to sit and think about it, and tease out the interesting bits. I very rarely type up a book review on the day I finish reading the book in question because I need to ponder it. I very rarely rec a fic within minutes of having read it. And if I'm writing up a book review, well... the chances of the author actually reading the review are slim indeed, unless he/she googles him/herself compulsively. With reviewing fanfic, the author is more or less guaranteed to read what I write, which, when I love something, leaves me tongue-tied, partly in admiration, and partly because I don't want to seem like a gushing fool to someone who has just written something I admire.
And I tend to get incredibly behind on reviews, even if I'm caught up on reading, during the exchange.
When I dislike something, much the same thing happens. I have few qualms about ranting about a published book on my LJ (even if I try not to do it, for the most part - except for Twilight), but would never, ever post a public rant about someone's fic and directly name it. Ever. It's one thing to have a general discussion about tropes and themes, but something entirely different to name names. And when it comes to reviews... I'm picky and highly critical. I know this - in fact, I'm probably too picky. (On the bright side, you should see the way I fret over my own writing.) There are often times where I basically like something, but hate aspects of it, or see potential for something, but feel that the fic, for whatever reason, falls flat. In such a situation, I can't bring myself to leave a long, positive, in-depth review for fear that the way I word things will give away my lack of enthusiasm.
And, as for concrit... I like receiving it even when I vehemently disagree, but I know lots don't. I've had some really bad concrit, which I like to go back to for a giggle, but I've also had some interesting, illuminating conversations about writing as a result of concrit. It tends to work best from people I like/trust, but once I move past the momentary defensiveness of someone criticising my baby I'll consider anyone's offerings, because I would much rather put up with flamer idiocy and get something worthwhile occasionally, than never get anything worthwhile at all. I can understand why others do not share this view, so concrit only ever goes to people who I know want it.
Anyway, the point is... It strikes me that enthusiasm and honesty often conflict, even (or especially) when they exist side by side. Which is not to say that I am never genuinely enthusiastic. It's more that I never know how to express myself to an author, unless I know them relatively well (which either kills the awe or means I am comfortable enough to critique).
And I don't think I'm making much sense, so I shall shut up now.
On a lighter note, last night's experimentation with granola was a success. Delicious and could grow addictive quite quickly. As per usual, I feel the need to spread the love, so here is the recipe!
(courtesy of thehalflie)
2 cups oats
1 cup nuts/seeds (ie slivered almonds, sunflower seeds)
3/4 cup crasins (or other dried fruit)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine oats and nuts/seeds in a bowl and set aside. Mix together honey, butter and spices in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, until the butter melts. Drizzle the honey-butter mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring until just combined. This works best using a shallow, wide bowl or adding the honey-butter mixture very slowly, otherwise you'll end up with giant clumps.
Spread oats and nuts out in a thin layer over baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. When cool, stir in craisins.
(I've been nibbling it with yoghurt of various flavours. It is universally delicious.)
Also, if someone could please talk me out of the pphpficexchange, that would be loverly.
(And omg, the most beautiful surfer-boy I have ever seen just wandered into the bookshop. *fans self*)
The thing is that when I really love something, I need a few days to sit and think about it, and tease out the interesting bits. I very rarely type up a book review on the day I finish reading the book in question because I need to ponder it. I very rarely rec a fic within minutes of having read it. And if I'm writing up a book review, well... the chances of the author actually reading the review are slim indeed, unless he/she googles him/herself compulsively. With reviewing fanfic, the author is more or less guaranteed to read what I write, which, when I love something, leaves me tongue-tied, partly in admiration, and partly because I don't want to seem like a gushing fool to someone who has just written something I admire.
And I tend to get incredibly behind on reviews, even if I'm caught up on reading, during the exchange.
When I dislike something, much the same thing happens. I have few qualms about ranting about a published book on my LJ (even if I try not to do it, for the most part - except for Twilight), but would never, ever post a public rant about someone's fic and directly name it. Ever. It's one thing to have a general discussion about tropes and themes, but something entirely different to name names. And when it comes to reviews... I'm picky and highly critical. I know this - in fact, I'm probably too picky. (On the bright side, you should see the way I fret over my own writing.) There are often times where I basically like something, but hate aspects of it, or see potential for something, but feel that the fic, for whatever reason, falls flat. In such a situation, I can't bring myself to leave a long, positive, in-depth review for fear that the way I word things will give away my lack of enthusiasm.
And, as for concrit... I like receiving it even when I vehemently disagree, but I know lots don't. I've had some really bad concrit, which I like to go back to for a giggle, but I've also had some interesting, illuminating conversations about writing as a result of concrit. It tends to work best from people I like/trust, but once I move past the momentary defensiveness of someone criticising my baby I'll consider anyone's offerings, because I would much rather put up with flamer idiocy and get something worthwhile occasionally, than never get anything worthwhile at all. I can understand why others do not share this view, so concrit only ever goes to people who I know want it.
Anyway, the point is... It strikes me that enthusiasm and honesty often conflict, even (or especially) when they exist side by side. Which is not to say that I am never genuinely enthusiastic. It's more that I never know how to express myself to an author, unless I know them relatively well (which either kills the awe or means I am comfortable enough to critique).
And I don't think I'm making much sense, so I shall shut up now.
On a lighter note, last night's experimentation with granola was a success. Delicious and could grow addictive quite quickly. As per usual, I feel the need to spread the love, so here is the recipe!
(courtesy of thehalflie)
2 cups oats
1 cup nuts/seeds (ie slivered almonds, sunflower seeds)
3/4 cup crasins (or other dried fruit)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine oats and nuts/seeds in a bowl and set aside. Mix together honey, butter and spices in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, until the butter melts. Drizzle the honey-butter mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring until just combined. This works best using a shallow, wide bowl or adding the honey-butter mixture very slowly, otherwise you'll end up with giant clumps.
Spread oats and nuts out in a thin layer over baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. When cool, stir in craisins.
(I've been nibbling it with yoghurt of various flavours. It is universally delicious.)
Also, if someone could please talk me out of the pphpficexchange, that would be loverly.
(And omg, the most beautiful surfer-boy I have ever seen just wandered into the bookshop. *fans self*)